The mission the UNTHSC Research Office is to assist all components of the Health Science Center in identifying research opportunities, securing support, overseeing research and insuring research, funding policies and compliance.

General Documentation Guidelines

Students requesting a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must provide the following information to the Center for Academic Performance (CAP) from his or her physician, educational diagnostician, licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified professional. Documentation received will be considered in determining whether a student is disabled as defined by the ADA, and therefore entitled to reasonable accommodation. The information provided should include:

Statement as to if whether each physical or mental impairment is permanent or temporary; if temporary, the expected duration of the impairment.

Information as to how each physical or mental impairment directly and currently affects the individual with regard to physical, emotional, cognitive or other limitations, to what level of severity the physical or mental impairment impacts the individual’s major life activities (for example, walking, hearing, seeing, learning, communicating, breathing, and so forth).

What impact does the physical or mental impairment have in the context of the classroom/learning environment? How are the impairments mitigated, corrected, or managed by assistive devices (such as hearing aid, walker) medications, treatments or other coping mechanisms?

Specific recommendations as to what reasonable accommodations (such as note taker, extended testing time, sign language interpreter, etc.) are necessary for equal access in the academic environment.

If student is taking medication for treatment of conditions, note any possible or existing side effects and how these can affect the client in daily functioning and within the classroom environment.

Only upon receipt of documentation will the student be considered for reasonable accommodation. Documentation will be viewed in both a historical and current context, but providing documentation does not automatically qualify student for accommodations through CAP. For example, some educational diagnostic reports (such as Admission Review Dismissal, or A.R.D., reports and 504 Plans) and medical reports (physician’s release to return to work) are not considered independently sufficient in determining accommodation, but will be considered with other supporting documents.

Documentation should be submitted on office letterhead with the signature and credentials of qualified professional.
Once CAP receives the documentation, it becomes part of the student’s educational record and is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Any questions from the physician/diagnostician may be directed to the Assistant Director, Disability Accommodations, CAP Office at 817-735-2134, fax 817-735-0263.